2026 NHL Draft Thread

[FlamesAddiction]

Originally Posted by Ba'alzamon

Malhotra rules. It's gotten to the point that I've stopped watching him because I was getting too hyped lol.

Canucks stink aside, I liked Manny Malhotra as a player. If Caleb is more skilled but has the same work ethic and leadership qualities, it bodes well. OT, but apparently Steve Nash is also his uncle (his mom is Steve Nash's sister).

[Cheese]

Originally Posted by Mccree

Ran it 3 times and had the Oilers winning 2/3 with the Canucks winning one. Will not run again,, seems riggged

https://www.tankathon.com/nhl

Saved you, got the Flames first...but the stinkin Oil 2nd.

[The Fonz]

Seems to be shaping up like a top 4 pick as being critical
-Stenberg
-McKenna
-Verhoeff
-Lawrence

I'll be ecstatic with any of these 4.

[Funkhouser]

My preference is Stenberg or Lawrence.

I base this off of zero viewings, just general vibes :-)

[The EBUG's EBUG]

Originally Posted by The Fonz

Seems to be shaping up like a top 4 pick as being critical
-Stenberg
-McKenna
-Verhoeff
-Lawrence

I'll be ecstatic with any of these 4.

Totally agree, take one of those guys and run. They seem to be in line for at least a bottom 3/4 finish here meaning they'll probably be in a good spot where at least one is available.

Worst case scenario and they get lottery'd, what are people's thoughts on 5, 6, 7? Belchetz scares me given his production relative to his size advantage and then after that right now it seems like a run on defense. Curious if Malholtra gets into the conversation if the Flames are sitting at 5 and miss out on those top 4 guys.

[Vinny01]

Stenberg seems like the next great Canuck Swede. Nashville will land their new franchise Dman in Verheoff. The Flames who built around Iginla and then Gaudreau will pick their winger of the future in McKenna

[Tbull8]

Originally Posted by Vinny01

Stenberg seems like the next great Canuck Swede. Nashville will land their new franchise Dman in Verheoff. The Flames who built around Iginla and then Gaudreau will pick their winger of the future in McKenna

All 3 teams walk away ecstatic I'd think

[Sandman]

More Thoughts from Central Scouting's Preliminary Rankings:

-Watch out for C Alexander Command (6'1",183lbs), who is climbing lists like countryman Eddie Genborg did last season; like Genborg, he could end up getting picked in the early second-round- or perhaps even the late-first. Command is up to 12 goals and 26 points in just 18 U20 contests, and brings energy, grit, and constant physicality to his team, as well as a detailed approach to playing solid defense. He is a menace on the forecheck, attacking with purpose and tenacity, and wins battles along the boards with a high frequency. Command plays at a breakneck pace (though some say he should slow down at times), and like most Swedes, he handles well- but his skating is closer to average than it should be, and he needs to bulk up and get stronger to play his style against pros. Command is primarily a playmaker, and possesses top-flight IQ and awareness all over the ice, with the vision to make difficult plays in traffic- but he also owns a powerful shot. He was a standout for Team Sweden at the most recent U-18 Five Nations Tournament, with 7 points in 4 games. Like Genborg was this past summer, Command is one of my early favorites for the upcoming draft.

-"C"-rated defenseman Jacob Xu has seen his stock slide quite a bit from where it was before the season began, I'm guessing because of his lack of offense, but some say he's had problems with managing the puck. Only 4 points in 21 games with Kitchener (OHL), Xu is usually known to be a safe puck-mover with calmness and poise, but is built for the shut-down game, with size and range (6'2",194lbs), excellent mobility, tight gaps, elevated defensive awareness, and robust physicality with an edge. His on-puck game needs work, and his intensity has to come more consistently, but he could develop into a force.

-RW Cole Zurawski was rated as a "C" by Central Scouting, but I'm betting that will change on their next list. Zurawski is another one of my favorites for the 2026 draft, being a big power-winger (6'1",190lbs) with an NHL-caliber shooting arsenal, and a shoot-first mentality. He's up to 16 goals and 28 points in 26 games with Owen Sound- who are tied for 5th in the OHL standings, and have built a big, heavy team to compete in the playoffs- so he fits right in. Zurawski brings energy and pace to his team, but his effort and engagement have had a few peaks and valleys at times, particularly in the defensive zone- but he's been cleaning things up lately, and gets time on the PK. Though he plays with power and grit, he is not without skill, and skates well.

-Once again, the Saint John Sea Dogs are languishing near the bottom of the QMJHL Standings, sitting where they ended up at the end of the 2024-25 season- second-last. C William Yared was sixth in scoring on last year's team, with 30 points in 58 games- which makes his production of 13 points in 21 games (prorated to 36 in 59) a bit disappointing. Yared was taken 5th-overall by the Sea Dogs in the 2024 QMJHL Draft, and he is used heavily in all situations, including in a match-up role; he is one of the best defensive forwards in this draft class. Yared is highly intelligent, owns top-tier IQ and hockey sense, and is an excellent playmaker with well-developed passing skill and a hard shot, but he could use a bit of work on his boots. He is highly competitive, and battles hard in the greasy areas, bringing a hard-working, physical style to his duties, using his size well to his advantage (6'1.25",197lbs).

-Yared's teammate in Saint John, 6'0",179lb LW Dylan Rozzi has posted 19 points in 26 games to date, a pace that puts him at 47 points in 64 games at year's end; I still expected more from him, after last year's totals of 34 points in 62 contests. Rozzi is a solid skater, and is very well-balanced offensively between his vision and smarts for playmaking, and his quick and accurate release. He is also well-rounded with the way he exerts his active 200-ft game, and plays with good details defensively. He's not very physical or gritty, although he does work hard in puck-battles, and has no fear in going to the greasy areas.

-"C"-rated C/RW Tobias Tomik (6'0",194lbs) was making appearances in the first-round in many lists to start the season, but I have to wonder where he stands now, as he's had a very disappointing season to date with the Vancouver Giants in his first season in North America- only 9 points in 27 games, although his team is 14th in goals (88), and sits in 18th-place out of 23 teams (Tomik is 9th in scoring on the team). Right now, he's even riding a 10-game pointless streak. Scouts have raved about his skating, his hands, and his NHL-caliber shot, as well as his high compete and motor, but he's too often playing on the perimeter with the Giants. Tomik has shown a top-tier IQ for playmaking as well, and wields an edgy, physical two-way style when he's on top of his game. It would seem that he's been having trouble adjusting to life across the pond; he showed well in two Hlinka tournaments for his home country of Slovakia, as well as the U-18's (5 points in 7 games).

-Tomik's teammate, "C"-rated RW/C Tyus Sparks, has not experienced much trouble with putting points on the board- 10 goals and 23 points in just 27 games, a pace that puts him at 58 points in 68 games when prorated. The 5'11.25",182 lb sparkplug plays with overwhelming pace, hustling hard and taking advantage of his excellent speed, with physicality and intensity. Sparks has a solid shooting arsenal, and exhibits smarts and a high IQ in all situations, but is also fearless and gritty in going to the greasy areas to win battles- despite his size, he is uncommonly strong, and very difficult to knock off the puck. He also shows a good two-way conscience, and works hard through all 200-feet of ice. Pretty good package for a draft-eligible on a bad team.

-LD Ossi Tukio (6'1.75",186lbs) is one of the older first-year eligibles in the 2026 Draft, with a Nov.3rd. 2007 birthdate, but he's currently 5th in scoring by D in the U20 League, with 17 points in 21 games for Ilves- his +21 is 3rd-overall (7 of the top-10 are from Ilves). In 2024-25, Tukio was 39th in scoring by D, with 14 points in 33 games. Tukio's skating is rather average, but his high-level of activity, aggression and intensity helps to mask his deficiencies; he is also a well-trained puck-handler, and passer, which makes him a high-value transitional asset to his team. He's quite physical and competitive, and works hard in battles to secure loose pucks. On offense, he sees the ice well and owns good instincts to make high-value plays, but could use improvement in his defensive-zone details and positioning. His advanced age will be a factor, but he's definitely one to watch.

-LD Ondrej Ruml has only posted 14 points in 27 games for the 3rd-place Ottawa 67's, but it seems that he's getting more and more used to playing in North America, as 9 of his points have come in the last 10 games, and he is a +8 in that span. Ruml doesn't have ideal size (5'11.5",169lbs), doesn't really play a physical game, and is easily knocked off the puck, but he's an excellent skater, a proficient rush-killer with his tight gaps and smart stick-work, and is a major asset in transition. He eludes pressure in retrievals with his smarts and agility, and makes poised plays with the puck in breakouts. He's competing for ice-time with a few older players, as well as budding star Kohyn Eshkawkogan, so the fact that he leads the team with a +16 is impressive, and demonstrates his play-driving ability.

-The Prince Albert Raiders are in 4th-place in the WHL, but they are 11th in goals-for, with 91. RW Jonah Sivertson has 8 of those goals, and 2 are game-winners; he has 13 points in 24 games, and his +13 ranks 4th on the team. Though he's 8th on the team in scoring, he plays in the Raiders' top-six, and is considered to be a play-driver, and key facilitator. Sivertson is 6'2.75",194lbs, and owns an NHL-shot, as well as finely-tuned playmaking abilities with solid IQ and vision. They say his defensive game has come a long way this season, and he is using his size better in battles to win pucks, but he still needs to increase his physicality. His skating is somewhere around average, but he works hard and possesses the puck-skill to deke and dangle through traffic when needed. He is considered to be a player with good potential.

-LD Alexandre Taillefer (6'0.25",164lbs) toils for the 11th-place Quebec Remparts, and was rated a "C" by Central Scouting. Taillefer holds tremendous value in the defensive zone, with acute attention to detail, robust physicality that includes bone-crushing hits, and tight gap-control and angling to snuff rushes. His awareness in defensive situations is outstanding, and this includes the neutral zone, where he is extremely proactive, and disruptive, with an uncanny ability to read the play. Scouts would surely like to see more results offensively; he has only put up 17 points in 26 games, which equates to 42 points in 64 games, but he is active in supporting the rush and will jump in to the play in the offensive zone when the opportunity arises. His skating is outstanding, and his handling appears effortless, which helps him excel in transition. He is committed to UMass in 2027-28.

-Not much was expected from 6'6",209lb rearguard Alexander Sapozhnikov, who earned a "C" rating from Central Scouting- after all, he was languishing in a lower league last season, and wasn't exactly setting the world on fire. This season to date, he has spent most of his time in the KHL, but has only seen time on the ice in two matches (no points), and has sat for 17 contests. In the MHL, he has impressed offensively, with 12 points in 15 games, but his game is very raw and inconsistent in most areas. Obviously, he is blessed with size and suffocating range, and he owns an overwhelming shot, but his mobility needs work, and he lacks poise in on-puck scenarios. Still, he's one to watch.

-RD Rylan Singh (6'0",176lbs) should be piling up points right now, but as it stands, he has posted only 13 points in 26 games- a pace that puts him on track for 34 points in 67 games. Considering that he ended up with 31 points in 65 games in 2024-25, his current production is disappointing, and his team (the Guelph Storm) are 4th in goals-for as well- though they sit in 12th-place. Strangely enough, Singh leads the Storm's backend in scoring, and is also tied for the lead in plus/minus, with a +6. Even when he's not piling up points, Singh shows proficiency as a top-notch rush defender, and holds value in the way he drives play through transition, either by pass or by carry. In the offensive zone, he's highly active and aggressive, and owns good vision with solid instincts. He is a fast and pacey skater, and employs a physical edge to separate man from puck, but must get stronger- as he's too easily pushed around right now.

[Tkachukwagon]

Alexander Command is a great name

[Rick M.]

Originally Posted by Tkachukwagon

Alexander Command is a great name

It will be great discussing his ‘commanding’ performances.

[Fan69]

Originally Posted by Tkachukwagon

Alexander Command is a great name

Future captain no question.

[dissentowner]

Originally Posted by Tkachukwagon

Alexander Command is a great name

He is a Command center.

[Fan69]

Originally Posted by CliffFletcher

And by all accounts he has a non-stop motor and plays like his hair is on fire. I’ll take a high-skilled player with that profile over one who is a notch higher in skill but doesn’t have any jump in his game unless the pick is on his stick.

I have mentioned a few times i think drive is one if the key factors in flames scouting the last few years. Personally i really like that philosophy for drafting, Reschny being a perfect example if that.

Seem to be way more willing to seek high end with flaws than low ceiling high floor kind of players. Now obviously the higher in the draft the better your odds but constantly taking the safe pick had landed us in no small part exactly where we have been for two decades but it seems drafting changed about ten years ago and then went another definite change about four years ago.

Seems to me the i would rather reign in a stallion than drag a mule approach with prospects seemed to start earnestly a couple of drafts ago.

[D as in David]

Originally Posted by dissentowner

He is a Command center.

One who doesn't wear underwear. Command-O!

[Sandman]

More Thoughts from Central Scouting's Preliminary Rankings:

-RW Kalder Varga (5'11",178lbs) has been a big disappointment this season with Kelowna of the WHL. The American-born winger has only managed a paltry 8 points in 26 games to date, after posting 24 points last season in just 58 games. He also showed well in the summer's Hlinka tourney for Team USA, with 3 points in 5 games. Varga is a superb skater who explodes out of the blocks, separates in open ice, and has the agility and maneuverability to evade pressure- though he isn't afraid to play through contact, and can stickhandle through traffic with his well-developed handling skill. His speed and puck-skill makes him capable of pushing pace, and driving play, but his effort and engagement have come under scrutiny in the past, as has his defensive game- although, it has been reported that he has vastly improved on these deficiencies. Varga was rated a "C", but he might not even be drafted if he can't improve his offensive production.

-C/RW Ludvig Andersson impressed at the Hlinka in a bottom-six defensive role, putting up 4 points in 5 games, but is posting some eye-popping numbers in league play with Orebro this season, amassing 10 goals and 25 points in just 19 games. Andersson is a swift skater, a deft handler, and a smart two-way player who supplies energy and physicality to his team. He has often been listed at 6'0", but Central Scouting measured him to be 5'10",189lbs, so bulking up and getting stronger will be paramount for him going forward.

-RW Cohen Bidgood (6'0.75",178lbs) doesn't get the recognition he deserves, which shows in Central Scouting's "W" rating- indicating a late-round pick at best. Normally thought of as an energy player, Bidgood has 10 points in 13 games, playing limited minutes for a talented London Knights squad, and has amassed 25 PIM in that time. Obviously, he's a hard-nosed pest, who plays on the edge (and sometimes goes over), with a hard and heavy physical style that has cost him games due to injury. He goes all-out, and plays with pace and intensity, helped along by his speed and sky-high motor. He will drop the gloves when challenged, wins battles, goes to the net, mixes it up in traffic, and never passes up the chance to dole out a stiff check. Bidgood is agile and wields good edges, with solid puck-skill to deke and dangle in tight spaces. Going forward, it has been said that he needs to improve his play away from the puck.

-The Drummondville Voltigeurs are 5th in the Q right now, but they are 12th (out of 18 teams) in goals-for- showing that they conduct their business with sound team defense. Their 7th-leading scorer is RW Louis-Felix Bourque (6'1.5",216lbs), a power-forward who was given a "W" by Central Scouting- indicating a possible late-round pick; he has put up 13 points in 21 games, which prorates to 36 points in 59 games. Bourque plays a physical (but disciplined) game, and uses his considerable size well to make room for himself, set up shop in front of the net, and win battles along the walls. He skates quite well, but could use upgrades to his explosiveness and agility going forward, and he exerts a solid two-way game. He needs to increase his production though, to avoid being on the outside looking in come draft day- easier said than done in Drummondville, where the top-three leading scorers have only 7 more points than him in 5 more games.

-LD Zigge Bratt (6'0",185lbs) is a name to remember, and is sure to be a riser- far higher than his "W" rating would imply. Bratt has piled up 19 points in 19 games for Frolunda of the U20 League, which puts him first in scoring from his team's backend by 6 points, and second in scoring by D in the league- behind Axel Elofsson. Bratt is an effortless skater with high-end speed, motor, and maneuverability, blessed with sublime instincts, well-developed passing skill, and plus-level playmaking ability. He is a puck-moving rearguard that can drive play through transition, and does well as a powerplay QB, but also pays good attention to his defensive duties (even getting PK time), showing solid awareness and smart use of his stick- although he needs better consistency in this area. Bratt could afford to add a lot more physicality to his repertoire as well. He is very active in the other end of the ice, joining the rush as an extra forward, and activating into the play in an effort to spark the offense when he sees an opportunity. Some wonder how well his offense would translate to the NHL.

-Bratt's teammate in Frolunda, LD Axel Brongel-Larsson (6'1",194lbs) is the more highly touted of the two, as he plays a more projectable game, and is said to be one of the best rearguards in his own zone in the U20. ABL is physical, hard-nosed, aggressive, and reads the play well defensively, which makes his positioning nearly immaculate, and proactively sound. He is highly disruptive and detailed, with the ability to kill rushes frequently, intercept passes, and make clean retrievals that lead to intelligent first-passes to kickstart the breakout. He is not without ability in the offensive zone though, and his 10 points through 20 contests ties him for 17th in scoring by D in the U20; he was also tied for 5th in scoring by D in the 2024 Hlinka, with 3 points in 5 games. He exhibits poise and confidence with the puck, and generally makes smart decisions. ABL skates well, but must make upgrades to his top-speed for the next level, and is a little older than most with a Nov.1st, 2007 birthdate. This is a good one, even if Central Scouting sees him as a "W"!

-LC Dylan Dean (6'0.25",180lbs) hasn't played since early November, but he impressed before going down to injury, with 13 points in 16 games (24 PIM) for the Oil Kings (WHL). Dean is pacey and physical, which is facilitated by his powerful stride, and he is a menace on the forecheck- causing havok and dishing out big hits while forcing turnovers and uncontrolled play. He works the boards with intensity, motor, and power, goes to the net, and wins battles in the greasy areas of the ice, bringing energy and compete to his team. Dean isn't without offensive skill though, as he exhibits keen spatial awareness, high IQ, and sublime playmaking instincts; though he has been labeled as being more of a passer, 8 of his 13 points so far are goals, and he exhibits a great set of mitts around the net, as well as a decent shot. If the offensive game doesn't translate, he could always settle in to a checking role in the next level, as he shows signs of a smart, detailed defensive game in all three zones. When it comes to Dean, the "W" stands for "winner"!

-If LD Pavel Denisov has done something to deserve his "W" rating, it might be that he's a bit vanilla; he seems to do everything well, but nothing at an elite level, with no true standout traits. He's 6'2",183lbs, and like most Russians- he's a well-trained puck-handler, and exhibits a smooth and projectable skating stride. His 8 points in 18 games put him 11th in scoring by U-18 defensemen, and 5th in ppg (0.44) for defensemen in his age bracket, with his efforts earning him 7 games in the VHL- Russia's second-tier pro league. Points (and ice-time) don't come easy for draft-aged players in the pros, but Denisov has actually garnered positive reviews for his ability to keep up with men, and his defensive play. Though he keeps things simple and risk-free in the VHL, he's a good puck-mover in the junior ranks, as well as a capable playmaker and facilitator in the offensive zone who can run the PP. Denisov is also one of the youngest players available in the draft, with a late-August birthday.

-I liked RW Nolan Duskocy (6'1.5",190lbs) on Team USA in the Hlinka; apart from his 4 points in 5 games in limited ice-time, which was 6th on the team, he supplied a commendable defensive effort, as well as big helpings of physicality, grit, energy, and an ability to do the heavy-lifting along the boards in winning pucks for his team. I was excited to see what he could do this season with Charlottetown of the QMJHL, but he has disappointed- at least, numbers-wise; only 9 points in 27 games for the fifth-place Islanders, which puts him 10th in scoring on the team. Duskocy has good hands in-tight, as well as a decent shot, but his specialty seems to lie in his checking skills- he's aware defensively and disruptive, puts his body on the line to block shots and throw his weight around, and gets his stick into lanes effectively. He's a decent skater, too.

-RD Jakub Floris (6'3",196lbs) is far from a finished product, and scouts like his toolkit that includes a smooth, powerful stride, and solid handling skills. The young Slovak has put up 8 points in 20 games with Lukko of the U20 in Finland, but scouts see more potential on the offensive side of the puck. He has the defensive part of his game down well, and uses his size, mobility, and gap-control to make stops, but he has become much more confident in possession, and has vastly improved his puck-movement. Even if he doesn't fulfill his potential, he could still fill the role of a strong-skating minute-muncher, and reliable presence in his own end.

-RD Mans Gudmundsson (6'2",168lbs) is kind of what scouts wish Jakub Floris would take a step toward. Gudmundsson is tied for 6th in scoring by D in the U20, with 16 points in 20 games, and exerts a well-rounded all-around game, consisting of reliability in the defensive zone, simple but effective puck-movement, and smart facilitation of offense. There is some instability and inconsistency in his game, and he needs to bulk up considerably, but he can play in any situation (including both special teams), and is a capable minute-muncher.

-LW Nikita Gromakov (6'0",165lbs) may have received a "W" from Central Scouting, but he'll get mid-round consideration based on his skating alone. Gromakov is one of the fastest players available in the 2026 Draft, with the ability to intimidate defenses and push them back with his break-neck pace. He is currently tied for 11th in scoring by U-18 players in the MHL, with 6 goals and 17 points in 24 games. He has a good shot with a deceptive release, and a goal-scorer's built-in instinct to find open pockets of space in coverage, but his hockey sense and decision-making have come into question due to how disorganized and haphazard he appears on the ice.

[Samonadreau]

Originally Posted by The Fonz

Seems to be shaping up like a top 4 pick as being critical
-Stenberg
-McKenna
-Verhoeff
-Lawrence

I'll be ecstatic with any of these 4.

Flames heating up after a pathetic start and i would think a finsh in the 5-8 range is very likely unless they start a firesale here soon.

[Snuffleupagus]

Someone starting to give me vibes of Brayden Point is center Noah Kosick, Like Point leads his poor team in scoring by a lot and isn't getting much attention from scouts, this kid is very talented offensively but needs work on the defensive side, he will also be one of the youngest kids in the draft.

Might be a reach to use a 2nd on him but I have PTSD from Point so I would do it.

[Sandman]

Originally Posted by Snuffleupagus

Someone starting to give me vibes of Brayden Point is center Noah Kosick, Like Point leads his poor team in scoring by a lot and isn't getting much attention from scouts, this kid is very talented offensively but needs work on the defensive side, he will also be one of the youngest kids in the draft.

Might be a reach to use a 2nd on him but I have PTSD from Point so I would do it.

I like the kid, and I don’t believe it would be a reach to use a 2nd on him, FWIW. He was on my “early ones to watch” list that I posted earlier this season.

Like you said, he leads the team in points, and doesn’t have much to work with…

[Sandman]

More thoughts from Central Scouting's Preliminary Rankings:

-A player to watch is RW Jonas Lagerberg Hoen, and it will be very interesting to see where he's taken in the draft. In 2024-25, his stats were 27 goals and 3 assists in 38 games- yup, you read that right. This season, JLH has amassed 9 goals and 7 assists, for 16 points in 9 U20 games (to go with 33 PIM). Clearly, this is a player who LOVES to score goals, and is able to tally them up in bunches. His highlights (and I recommend watching them) make him look like a 6'2",175lb Pavel Bure- they mostly consist of him either deking out a player or two for a 1-on-1 shot at the goalie, an end-to-end rush for a dangerous opportunity, or beating an opposing defenseman wide to go in alone on goal. JLH is an electrifying skater, and he owns hands that are quick enough to keep up, with a laser shot on a deceptive release, and the moves to beat goalies in-tight. The problem is, most of his points come from highly individualistic plays, he doesn't show much playmaking skill, and offers virtually nothing when he doesn't have possession of the puck; this makes scouts highly doubtful that his style will translate, but I wonder if he could be molded to play the right way. He has a bit of a chip on his shoulder (though he takes some selfish, undisciplined penalties) and there is a physical game there in flashes, but he too often passes up the forecheck, doesn't do much to make things difficult for opposing teams, and isn't very interested in defense- but he shows glimpses here and there of being able to do all of the above, plus he can drive play. There's no disputing his overflowing toolkit, his impressive physical profile, or the skills he brings, but he might be a long-term project. Lagerberg Hoen hasn't played since October 18th, and has earned 2 games in the SHL with no points. He's older than most first-time draft-eligibles as well, with an October 24th, 2007 birthday.

-There's plenty to like about RW Zach Lansard (6'0",175lbs), who Central Scouting rated as a "W", meaning that he's a "player to watch" for the later rounds. Though he has only 4 points in the last 10 games, Lansard has managed to put up 23 points in 29 games (a pace that prorates him to 54 points in 68 games) for the Regina Pats- who sit 19th in the 23-team WHL. He typically plays on Regina's most reliable line, with Keets Fawcett and fellow draft-eligible Cohen Klassen, and with 11 of his 23 points being goals, it's easy to deduce that he has goal-scoring aptitude, and a nose for the net. He isn't without smarts and playmaking ability though, and he is capable of driving play through transition. Lansard hustles hard, exerts high-motor and tenacity, and he skates well, showing quickness in short areas, and a pace-pushing top-speed. His puck-skills are one of his best assets, giving him the ability to stickhandle through traffic, and beat attackers 1-on-1; he manages the puck well, and can play through contact. Lanford competes in hard areas for pucks, and doesn't shy away physically, but he needs to get significantly stronger in order to win more pucks at the next level.

-Lansard's linemate in Regina, "W"-rated LW/C Cohen Klassen (6'0",177lbs), seems to be the more complete player of the two, though his point-totals are lower- 6 goals and 17 points in 25 contests. Klassen is the better two-way player, and has even been put in a shut-down role at times for the Pats, with uncommon strength (he is farmboy strong, born in Martensville, SK) and a fairly sturdy physical style; he is hard-working, energetic, and competitive, and not afraid to muck and grind when needed. Klassen isn't the goal-scorer that Lansard seems to be, but he exhibits an elevated level of playmaking vision, creativity, and IQ to feed his linemates in advantageous positions on the ice. Like his linemate, Klassen is an excellent skater with a good top-speed, showing well-honed puck-skill that enables him to carry through traffic, and drive the play. He is one of the youngest players in the draft as well, with a September 8th, 2008 birthdate.

-This one's a player that I like, although Central Scouting sees him as a "W", or a player who will likely be picked in later rounds. San Jose'-born RW Jake Gustafson (6'3.75",179lbs) is a big power-forward who exhibits skill and a soft-touch with the puck. He is 8th on the team in scoring, with 9 goals and 18 points in 29 games, but can be used in any situation. Gus moves well for a player his size, with a good top-speed, and he is reasonably agile, but must make efforts to improve his first-step and acceleration- his stride is smooth, fluid, and projectable though. He exerts a heavy physical game, and does plenty of damage in front of the net, but he is skilled with the puck, blessed with a high IQ and acute playmaking vision, and makes smart plays under pressure- though his game is relatively simple. There's also a good shot with a sneaky release in his offensive toolkit, and smooth hands to finish in-close, or capitalize on rebounds. Gus is also an excellent two-way player who works as hard on the backcheck as he does on the forecheck. I see him as a player with a healthy upside, a projectable game, and one who will go much higher than the later rounds.

-RHC Simas Ignatavicius (6'3",196lbs) is a player who has been turning heads in the scouting world, with some putting him as high as the second-round; I find players who play in Switzerland hard to project, so everything must come with an asterisk. Owen Sound of the OHL holds his rights, so hopefully they can bring him across the pond at some point. Ignatavicius turned 18 in October, but he is already playing in the Swiss National League, which is the top-tier pro league in that country, and he has produced 7 points through 32 games with limited minutes. In 2024-25, he put up 50 points in 45 games in the U20 league, which ranks as the 19th-best season for a U-18 player in that league all-time. By all accounts, he's a big power-forward whose skating is one of his best attributes- he can beat attackers with speed, or evade them with his agility on his slick edges, as well as his well-defined puck-skill. There's goal-scoring ability here, but he is a pass-first playmaker with creativity and vision, exerting a soft-touch and plenty of finesse. Ignatavicius is also a reliable 200-ft player who can play in any situation, and can skate at center or the wing. Sounds good, but we'll see.

-A player who gets severely underrated is LW Evan Jardine (5'11.25",182lbs), who plies his trade for the 2nd-place Youngstown Phantoms of the USHL, posting 22 points in 23 games- which ranks 18th in league scoring. Tempering projections is the fact that he's an older player, with an October 23rd birthday, but his 2024-25 production of 44 points in 62 games (tied for 36th in USHL scoring) negates those concerns a bit. Jardine lacks size and strength right now, but he is never outworked, moves through contact while maintaining possession, and plays a hard-nosed physical game with a reliable two-way conscience. Where he is underrated is in his playmaking and passing, as well as his staunch off-puck habits; he is always in perfect position to support his teammates, and can complete smart passes in traffic while under duress- his IQ and hockey sense are sometimes unfairly overlooked. Though he leans into his passing, Jardine also has a dangerous, deceptive shot, and the quick hands to beat goalies in-tight; he is used heavily in the bumper position on the PP. Going forward, he will need to get bigger, and a whole lot stronger to handle the rigors of pro hockey, but his speed and explosiveness also need a bit of work.

-LD Theodor Knights (6'3.75",194lbs) moves surprisingly well in all-four directions, and he uses his mobility to dole out thunderous, punishing hits prolifically. He is mean, intimidating, and downright surly, but also a highly effective shutdown defenseman, who can mirror oncoming attackers' footwork to trap them in his tight gaps to then surf across the ice to finish them with a stiff hit. There isn't much here in terms of an offensive game, and he doesn't exhibit much puck-skill to speak of; only 1 point (and 37 PIM) in 13 U20 games this season, as well as 1 point (and 56 PIM) in 4 games at the 5 Nations for Team Sweden. There are some who have him as early as the first-round of the draft, but his stature, shutdown game, and physicality will surely make him a target for NHL teams in the first 3 rounds.

-LD Lincoln Krizizke (6'0.5",165lbs) was once a forward, and his experience there helped him be a better defenseman. Krizizke is very hard to play against, due to his excellent 4-way mobility, stifling gap control, high-end compete, and punishing physicality. Though he leans a bit more into "stay-at-home" territory, his IQ and hockey sense allow him to create advantages for his teammates with his heads-up puck-movement, and skilled passing- he can also support the play well in the offensive zone. To date this season, he has contributed 8 points in 20 USHL games with the Dubuque Fighting Saints, which prorates to 23 points in 57 games (to go with 88 PIM). Best of all, his game is considered to be translatable to higher levels.

[Macho0978]

What Stenberg is doing in the SHL and some picking Verheoff to go #1, what are the odds McKenna ends up 3rd in this draft. This draft is looking to have a few potential superstars.